The 43-year-old testified before the House budget committee on Tuesday on behalf of non-profit organisation Save the Children, in which she serves as a trustee. She asked lawmakers to preserve the nearly $1 million in funding the organisation receives annually, reports people.com.

“I’m here because I believe so much in Save the Children’s early childhood programmes, and I am hoping that you will continue to support them,” said Garner.

She joined Save the Children President Mark Shriver to explain the programme helps more than 12,000 children in Kentucky and is one of the most successful programmes within the organisation.

According to the Courier-Journal, lawmakers indicated that they support the programme and are optimistic that the money can be preserved despite a tight budget. They also seemed impressed to have a star in their midst.